Queztalcoatl RA Passage

In the context in which it appears, “stimulation” in the third paragraph most nearly means

• excitement

• admonition

• motivation

• responsibility

• agitation

Based on the tone and content of the passage as a whole, its author is most likely

• an opponent of colonial rule

• an aesthete fascinated by pictorial representations of colonial life

• a scholar intrigued by cultural evolution

• a biographer of the Spanish monarchy

• an apologist for the actions of Philip II

In context, the phrase “the Iberian project” refers to Spain’s efforts to

• influence the attitudes of colonial residents

• actively change colonial culture

• extend Spanish power and global reach

• dispel persistent confusion about Spanish colonial intentions

• increase Spanish appreciation of colonial culture

In the first paragraph, the author uses the phrase “a ‘Renaissance Maecenas’ ” primarily to emphasize

• Mendoza’s extensive knowledge of classical literature

• Mendoza’s support for the work of Indian artists

• the intermingling of European and American cultural traditions

• the toll of the Spanish conquest on native craft traditions

• the importance of the picture-writing tradition in Mexican history

In the lines (“A large number . . . local situations”), the author implies that the compilation of Relaciones

Geográficas and Descripciones

• helped to preserve elements of the indigenous artistic tradition

• led to superficial comparisons between indigenous and European artworks

• facilitated efforts to modify the political organization of the indigenous people

• did little to improve Spanish understanding of colonial geography

• sparked a change in traditional religious beliefs among the indigenous people

In the lines (“The enchanting places . . . had been subdued”), the author portrays Europeans as being

• ready to join expeditions to the Indies

• skeptical of accounts about the Indies

• apprehensive about contact with the Indies

• eager for knowledge of the Indies

• proud of having conquered peoples of the Indies

Which of the following best describes the function of the second paragraph?

• It details unfortunate consequences of Spain’s colonization efforts.

• It emphasizes events that reoriented the interests of Spanish overseers.

• It accounts for circumstances that increased European access to native culture.

• It explains the unique circumstances that challenged Spain’s leaders.

• It reiterates the role of local authorities in upholding established traditions.

The passage is most likely excerpted from

• an informational essay hailing the triumph of local arts over colonial interests

• an educational article exploring the ethical issues surrounding colonization

• a research report promoting art history as a field of study

• a scholarly work explaining historical developments in indigenous arts

• a descriptive analysis examining the effect of geography on art

The primary purpose in the passage is to

• account for the transmission of culture during a period of global change

• explore the artistic traditions represented in native artifacts

• dispute persistent myths about colonial life in New Spain

• define the motivations of Mexico’s European colonizers

• identify traditions that undermine contemporary understandings of Aztec culture

Which of the following best characterizes the author’s treatment of the Mendicant friars in the third paragraph?

• He minimizes the importance of the friars’ role in the developing colony.

• He denounces the imperialistic nature of the friars’ mission.

• He is skeptical of the friars’ commitment to transforming Indian consciousness.

• He appreciates the wealth of cultural knowledge amassed by the friars.

• He is moved by the religious fervor of the friars.